UF Law experts available to comment on Florida man who adopted his adult girlfriend

GAINESVILLE, Fla – A West Palm Beach man has adopted his 42-year-old girlfriend as his legal daughter. The unusual move is an attempt to shield assets from potential lawsuits that could be brought about as result of a fatal car crash involving the man. John Goodman, who is a wealthy polo club owner, also faces criminal charges that include criminal DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide among others.

University of Florida Levin College of Law experts are available to comment on the legal issues raised by the adoption.

Tritt is a professor of law at UF and is also the director for the Center for Estate Planning, director of the Estates and Trusts Practice Certificate Program, and associate director of the Center on Children and Families. In addition to Florida adoption laws and shielding assets, Tritt’s expertise encompasses a variety of areas including estate planning, charitable giving and transfer taxes.

Tate is an adjunct professor at UF Law where she teaches adoption law and procedure. She is also an AV-Rated and board-certified adoption attorney, and managing partner at Jeanne T. Tate, P.A. with offices in Tampa, Naples and Orlando. She is a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the Florida Adoption Council.